Plainfield North’s Lindey Balsano Leads Comeback Victory Over Yorkville

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, sophomore Lindey Balsano propelled Plainfield North to a dramatic comeback victory over Yorkville on October 24, 2025. After turning back three match points, the Tigers clinched a nail-biting win with set scores of 18-25, 28-26, 25-15 in the Southwest Prairie Conference finale.

Balsano, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter, displayed remarkable poise under pressure, executing crucial kills that turned the tide in the second and third sets. “Very, very stressful, definitely,” Balsano admitted about the late-game intensity. “Especially when they called us back on the court. Very scary.”

The match took a pivotal turn late in the second set when Plainfield North faced potential defeat. After surviving a set point due to a Yorkville rotation violation, Balsano’s powerful kills not only secured the second set but also launched her team into a commanding lead in the third. Her ferocity on the court resulted in six kills in the decisive set, including the match-clinching points.

Coach Matthew Slechta expressed pride in Balsano’s performance. “She just has that calm demeanor about her all the time,” he stated. “You saw in that second and third set, she just takes over.” This victory marks a significant moment for Plainfield North, who now hold a record of 13-15, 5-5 in the conference.

The match began with Yorkville taking control, leading the first set due to several errors from the Tigers. However, the dynamic shifted when Balsano rallied her teammates, trusting her setter Hope Hartmann to deliver optimal plays. “I just was aware of where the blockers were and I used that to my advantage,” she noted.

The second set ended in controversy, with Yorkville’s coach Ryan Donato bewildered by the officials’ decision after the rotation violation. “They gave me three different explanations so I actually don’t know the right answer,” he remarked. Despite the setback, Yorkville displayed resilience, nearly closing out the second set after trailing.

Despite the loss, Yorkville remains optimistic as they prepare for their upcoming match against regional host Oswego East. Coach Donato reflected on his team’s spirit, stating, “Our competitive drive that third set just wasn’t as prevalent. We said let’s flush it and move on.”

Looking ahead, Plainfield North is set to open regional play against host Lincoln-Way Central on Tuesday, where they aim to carry their momentum from this thrilling win. As the season progresses, Balsano’s ability to thrive under pressure will be essential for her team’s success.

This match not only showcased the talent of young athletes but also highlighted the emotional intensity that makes high school sports a compelling spectacle. Fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for both teams as they head into the postseason.